270 THE BOOK OF EVEBGREENS. 



species of every size, from the largest class to the trailing 

 plant that creeps along the ground. We could not dis- 

 pense with these charming additions to our shrubbery, as 

 they are almost the only reliable plants with persistent 

 leaves. The broad, spreading character of some contrasts 

 beautifully with the rigid conical forms of others ; and 

 the graceful, drooping branchlets of the weepers, and the 

 curious, carpet-like appearance of the trailing species, 

 present widely differing forms. 



They are natives of every degree of latitude, from that 

 of almost perpetual congelation to the torrid zone. In 

 the latter, however, they are rare, but are plentiful in the 

 frigid and temperate regions. For this reason, we find 

 the greater portion of them succeeding in our latitude. 

 Almost every quarter of the globe is represented in this 

 genus, and almost every year adds one or more new species 

 or varieties to our already long list. The lumber of sev- 

 eral species is of the best quality, and the resin furnished 

 by others is highly odorous and valuable. The fruit of 

 some is used in flavoring liquors, and in the materia medica. 



The generic name is the old classical one adopted by 

 Linnaeus, but the derivation is obscure. 



I. TRUE JUNIPERS. OXYCEDRUS. 



Leaves in whorls of 3, spreading in the adult plants, 

 jointed at the base, and glandless on the back. Fruit 

 globular and smooth. 



1. J. fommiinis, Linnaeus. COMMON JUNIPER. 

 Leaves rather long, linear awl-shaped, prickly pointed, up- 

 per surface glaucous, under one bright green. Branches 

 ascending or spreading, rigid, with numerous branchlets. 

 Fruit small, globular, dark purple, covered with a hand- 

 some light bloom. For flowers and fruit see figure 33. 



